How to Determine Your Wi-Fi Network's Encryption Type: A Complete Guide for All Devices

Did you know that 68% of home networks Are you still using outdated encryption protocols that hackers can crack in minutes? The type of security your Wi-Fi uses directly impacts your internet speed, device compatibility, and—most critically—the security of your personal data. Bank details, social media passwords, and instant messaging messages are all transmitted over the air in cleartext if your network is secured to the standard. WEP or without a password at all.

In this article, you'll learn how to check the encryption protocol used on your network in just 2 minutes—from your phone, laptop, or router control panel. We'll cover all the current methods, including hidden settings. Windows 11/10, commands for Android Without root access and traffic analysis using specialized utilities. Finally, there's a compatibility table for devices with different encryption types, which will help avoid problems when connecting older devices.

The problem is that most users aren't even aware that different security standards exist. They see a lock next to a network name and think everything is fine. In reality, WPA3 And WPA2-PSK — They're like night and day in terms of security. The former encrypts traffic individually for each device, while the latter uses a shared key that can be intercepted. And that's not even mentioning WEP, which breaks in 5 minutes using free programs like Aircrack-ng.

Another important point: the type of encryption affects maximum connection speedFor example, if your router supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), but is set to WPA2+TKIP, you lose up to 30% of bandwidth. Modern standards (WPA3-SAE) work only with AES-CCMP, which guarantees both safety and high speed.

1. How to find out the Wi-Fi encryption type on Windows 10/11 (3 methods)

If you are connected to the network from a computer, the fastest way is to use the built-in tools WindowsYou don't need to install any additional programs.

Method 1: Via "Network Settings" (for the current connection)

1. Click Win + I, select Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of your network (under "Properties").
3. Scroll down to the block Properties - there will be a line Security type.

Here you will see one of the values:

• 🔒 WPA3-Personal — the most modern and secure protocol (recommended).
• 🔓 WPA2-Personal — a common standard, but vulnerable to attacks KRACK.
• ⚠️ WPA-Personal or WEP - outdated methods that require urgent replacement.
• 🚫 Open network - no encryption, all data is transmitted in clear text.

Method 2: Via the command line (for all saved networks)

This method will show the encryption type. all networks, which you have ever connected to:

netsh wlan show profiles name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear | findstr "Security Type"

Replace NETWORK_NAME the name of your Wi-Fi network. If you need to check all networks at once, use the command without a filter:

netsh wlan show profiles

Then for each network, run the first command with its name.

Method 3: Via the Network and Sharing Center (alternative option)

• Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the tray → Open network settings.
• Select Network and Sharing Center → click on the active connection.
• In the window that opens, click Wireless network properties → tab Security.

Here in the field Security type the protocol will be indicated, and in Encryption type — method (AES or TKIP). If you see TKIP, your network is vulnerable to downgrade attacks.

2. Determine the encryption type on Android (without root)

On smartphones with Android Information about the encryption type is hidden deeper, but it can be accessed without root privileges. The methods vary depending on the OS version.

For Android 10 and later:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
• Tap on the name of your network (do not connect if you are not already connected).
• A section will appear at the bottom of the screen Network information - there will be a line Security.

Possible values:

• 🔐 WPA3 Enterprise/Personal - modern protection.
• 🔏 WPA2 PSK - standard protocol (vulnerable to Dragonblood).
• ⚠️ WPA PSK or WEP - critically unsafe.

For Android 9 and later (or if there is no "About" section):

Use the free app WiFi Analyzer (from VREM Software):

• 📊 Install the app from Google Play.
• Open the tab AP List (list of access points).
• Find your network in the column Security the protocol will be indicated.

Alternative method: via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have USB debugging enabled, you can run the command:

adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep -E "mSecurity|mPassphrase"

The output will contain a line like this: mSecurity=PSK-WPA2 or mSecurity=SAE-WPA3.

Why doesn't the encryption type show up on some Android devices?

Manufacturers (such as Xiaomi or Samsung) sometimes hide this information in their user interfaces (MIUI, One UI). In this case, the only solution is to analyze traffic using specialized utilities like Wireshark or connect to the router's control panel.

3. Checking through the router settings (the most reliable method)

If the previous methods did not work or you want change encryption type, check your router's control panel. The instructions are universal for most models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik and others).

Step 1: Log into your router's web interface

• 🌐 Open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (see the exact address on the router sticker).
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (usually by default admin/admin or admin/empty).

Step 2: Find the Wi-Fi settings section

The path may differ depending on the firmware:

• 📡 TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Security
• 🖧 ASUS: Wireless Network → Authentication Settings
• 🔗 Keenetic: Wi-Fi Network → Access Point → Security

Step 3: View current settings

In the security section you will see the following fields:

• Network authentication (or Authentication Method) - the protocol is indicated here (WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Personal etc.).
• Encryption (or Encryption) — method (AES, TKIP, TKIP/AES).

Table: Recommended router security settings (2026)

⚠️ Attention: If your router does not support WPA3, update the firmware through the section Administration → Software UpdateManufacturers regularly add support for new standards to older models (for example, ASUS RT-AC68U received WPA3 in the 2022 update).

4. Analysis of Wi-Fi traffic using specialized utilities

If you need to check the encryption type someone else's network (for example, in a cafe or hotel) or to verify that your router is actually using the advertised protocol, packet sniffing can help. Programs like Wireshark (for PC) or NetSpot (for macOS/Windows).

Wireshark instructions:

• 🖥 Install Wireshark from the official website.
• 🔍 Select the network interface (Wi-Fi adapter) and start packet capture.
• 🔎 Enter in the filter wlan.fc.type_subtype == 8 (this will filter out beacon frames, in which information about the network is transmitted).
• 📋 Find the packet from your network and look at the field Tag: RSN Information or Tag: Vendor Specific — the protocol will be indicated there.

Example of packet decryption:

If in the field AKM Suite you see:

• 00-0F-AC:4 - This WPA2-PSK.
• 00-0F-AC:8 - This WPA3-Personal.
• 00-0F-AC:1 - This WEP.

⚠️ Attention: Capturing other people's Wi-Fi packets may violate local laws (for example, Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation in Russia). Use this method for verification purposes only. your network or with the written permission of the owner.

An alternative for beginners: a mobile app NetAnalyzer

Download it from Google Play or App Store:

• 📱 Open the app and select the tab Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Tap on your network - in the section Security the protocol will be indicated.
• 📊 Additionally, the app will show signal strength, channel, and network load.

5. How to change the encryption type to a more secure one

If the test shows that your network is using WEP, WPA or WPA2-TKIP, it urgently needs to be updated. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Choose the optimal protocol

• 🛡 WPA3-Personal + AES — the best choice for modern devices.
• 🔄 WPA2/WPA3 Transition Mode - if you have old gadgets (but less safe).
• ❌ Avoid WPA2-TKIP And WEP - They do not protect against attacks.

Step 2: Configure your router

1. Go to the control panel (as in Section 3).
2. In the security section, select:
   • Network Authentication: WPA3-Personal (or WPA2/WPA3-Personal for compatibility).
   • Encryption: AES (never choose TKIP!).

Create a complex password (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).

Save the settings and reboot the router.

Step 3: Update passwords on all devices

After changing the protocol, all devices will disconnect. Reconnect them by entering the new password.

⚠️ Attention: If after switching to WPA3 some devices (such as old printers or Smart TV 2015) stopped connecting, please return to WPA2-AES or use a guest network with a separate SSID for problematic devices.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When checking or changing encryption types, users often encounter common issues. Here are the most common ones and their solutions:

Error 1: The router does not support WPA3

• 🔧 Solution: Check your router model on the manufacturer's website. If WPA3 isn't supported even after updating the firmware, use WPA2-AES - This is the second safest option.

Error 2: Internet connection disappears after changing protocol

• 🔄 Solution: Make sure that the MAC address filter or blocking of unknown devices is not enabled in the router settings. Also, check that the Wireless network mode selected 802.11n/ac/ax (and not 802.11b).

Error 3: Devices fail to connect to WPA3

• 📱 Solution: For old gadgets (Android 8, iOS 10 and below) enable compatibility mode WPA2/WPA3 Transition ModeIf this doesn't help, create a separate guest network with WPA2-AES.

Error 4: Unable to access the router control panel

• 🔑 Solution: Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel). The default login and password are usually indicated on the sticker (admin/admin or admin/empty).

7. Additional security measures for Wi-Fi networks

Encryption type is only part of the protection. To make your network truly secure, take a few more steps:

1. Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

• 🔌 WPS is vulnerable to brute-force attacks, even if you have WPA2.
• 🛠 Find the section in your router settings WPS And turn it off his.

2. Enable MAC address filtering (optional)

• 🔐 This is not a panacea (MAC is easy to forge), but it will add an extra barrier.
• 📋 Find the section in the router panel MAC address filter and add the addresses of your devices.

3. Change the network name (SSID) and disable its broadcasting

• 📛 Do not use personal information in the network name (e.g. Ivanov_Family).
• 👁 Disable SSID broadcasting in your router settings (this will hide your network from outsiders).

4. Update your router firmware

• 🔄 Manufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities in firmware.
• 🖥 Check for updates in the section Administration → Software Update.

5. Use a VPN for critical data

• 🔒 Even with WPA3, traffic can be intercepted at the provider level.
• 🌍 For banking transactions or working with confidential information, connect via ProtonVPN or WireGuard.

⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and available settings may vary depending on the model and firmware version. If you can't find the section you need, check the manual for your model on the manufacturer's official website.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it possible to hack Wi-Fi with WPA2?

Yes, but it's more complicated than WEP. The main vulnerabilities of WPA2 are:

• 💥 KRACK attack (2017) - allows you to decrypt traffic, but not find out the password.
• 🔑 Brute force - if the password is weak (for example, 12345678), it can be picked up.
• 📡 Evil Twin — scammers create a copy of your network, and devices connect to it automatically.

WPA3 is free from these vulnerabilities thanks to the protocol SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals).

❓ Why won't my old device connect to WPA3?

Devices manufactured before 2018 often don't support WPA3 due to outdated Wi-Fi chips. Solutions:

• 🔄 Turn on the router mode WPA2/WPA3 Transition Mode.
• 📡 Create a separate guest network with WPA2-AES for old gadgets.
• 🔌 Update your device's firmware (for example, for Samsung Smart TV 2016 there are patches with WPA3 support).

❓ What is a secure Wi-Fi password?

A good password should:

• 🔢 Be long 12+ characters.
• 🔤 Contain uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters (!@#$%).
• 🚫 Not be a dictionary word or a simple sequence (qwerty, 12345678).
• 🔄 Change it once a 6–12 months.

Example of a strong password: k8#pL9!vN2@qR7

❓ Does encryption type affect Wi-Fi speed?

Yes, and very noticeable:

• ⚡ WPA3 + AES - minimal speed loss (optimized for Wi-Fi 6/6E).
• 🐢 WPA2 + TKIP - reduces speed by 20-30% (outdated encryption method).
• 🚫 WEP - limits speed to 54 Mbps (standard 802.11g).

If you have Wi-Fi 6 router, but the speed is lower than expected, check if there is a problem in the settings TKIP.

❓ Is it possible to use WPA2 and WPA3 at the same time?

Yes, this mode is called WPA2/WPA3 Transition ModeIt allows you to:

• ✅ Support older devices (which do not support WPA3).
• ⚠️ But it has its downsides:
  • Vulnerable to security downgrade attacks (downgrade attacks).
  • Slightly reduces speed due to additional checks.

It is recommended to use it temporarily until all your devices are updated to support WPA3.